Tim Hortons Introduces First Certified Gluten-Free Menu Item

For the estimated one in 133 Canadians affected with celiac disease, grabbing a quick prepared snack when they're on-the-go is not a simple task, as hidden sources of gluten in product ingredients are always top-of-mind. To help make that choice easier, Tim Hortons is now offering a new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon - the first menu item in a Canadian quick service restaurant to be certified gluten-free through the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Gluten-Free Certification Program.

"We've made a commitment to our guests to provide balanced menu choices, and the new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is an example of that," says Donna Finelli, Vice President Marketing, Food and Merchandise, Tim Hortons. "Given the growing number of people who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance, we're making it just a little bit easier for friends and families to enjoy eating together at our restaurants. And the new macaroon tastes fantastic, which makes it a great snacking option for everyone, not just those with gluten intolerance."

The Tim Hortons Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is certified through the Canadian Celiac Association Gluten-Free Certification Program, Canada's only voluntary certification program designed for manufacturers of gluten-free products. The CCA's Gluten-Free Certification Program trademark assures Canadians with celiac disease and gluten intolerance that products are safe to consume.

"Living gluten-free can be challenging, especially when it comes to dining out," says Peter Taylor, Executive Director, Canadian Celiac Association. "The new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a clear example of Tim Hortons' leadership in the quick service restaurant industry for offering a high quality, high value product to a growing segment of the population."

The new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled with milk chocolate, and is sold in a pre-wrapped two-piece package to avoid cross-contamination. It's available at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada for $1.29.

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